Comparison of the Prognostic Value of the Child Pugh and MELD Scoring Systems in Cirrhosis -A Systematic Review

Abstract

This study provided an overview of the comparison of Child-Pugh scores for the assessment of prognosis in liver cirrhosis. We have reviewed all articles published from 1995-2022 comparing Child-Pugh score and MELD score for predicting prognosis in liver cirrhosis. In the majority of instances, Child-Pugh scores had similar prognostic relevance. However, given their distinct benefits for some specific disorders, additional research may be required to identify the candidates who should use the Child-Pugh score for prognosis assessment and the timing when we should use the Child-Pugh score for prognosis assessment. Although it was originally designed to predict mortality after surgery, the Child-Pugh score is today used to estimate prognosis, as well as the required strength of treatment and the need for liver transplantation. However, the Child-Pugh score is partly dependent on clinical examination, which may result in scoring differences. The Child-Pugh score does not take into account the etiology of cirrhosis, the possible combination of many causes, or the persistence of a destructive process such as persistent alcohol abuse or chronic hepatitis B infection (HBV). Even though its broad sickness classifications render it worthless in determining which patients should undergo a liver transplant first, it is nonetheless widely used.